FRA Today – April 2016
COMMUNICATIONS
FROM THE FANTAIL
SHIPMATE FORUM
ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL
MEMBERSHIP MATTERS
FEATURE
TAPS
Reunions
LOOKING FOR
SHIPMATE NEWS
NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

COMMUNICATIONS 

Shipmate Feedback Makes a Difference
I hope all of you have had the opportunity to visit FRA’s recently redesigned website and explore some of the new features. We’re particularly proud of the Events Listing (under the Events and Programs tab on the Home page). The list currently includes regional and national conventions and meetings, but there’s certainly room to include other special events that are more localized. If your branch or committee is sponsoring a youth activities event or hosting a tribute to honor active duty personnel, let us know and we can add it to the list. This calendar function is a great addition to the website, thanks to several shipmates who suggested it. 
Shipmates also suggested we revise access to our Member Resources page (under the Membership tab on the Home page). Access to many of these resources used to be restricted to branch and regional officers, but is now available to all shipmates, without the need to log-in. “Officer Resources” still require a user name and password, and are accessible by clicking on the “My Profile” link after logging in. 
We’ve also updated the FRA mobile app for use on smart phones and digital tablets. The FRA app makes it easy to edit your member profile, renew your membership, use the FRA Action Center to send messages to your elected officials, find branches, read the news, and even read FRA Today on your mobile device. And of course, the FRA app is free at the Apple App Store or in Google Play. Go to www.fra.org/MobileApp to download the latest version today. (Note: If you have the older version of the FRA app already on your device, you’ll need to delete it first. After you delete it, go to your list of purchased apps and re-download it to get the new version.)
We can’t always honor our shipmates’ requests, but we really do try. NHQ sincerely appreciates the many shipmates who offered suggestions and were our guinea pigs for testing the new apps and website content.

Lauren Armstrong is FRA’s Director of Communications and serves as the Managing Editor of FRA Today. Please contact her at lauren@fra.org.

Return to Table of Contents

FROM THE FANTAIL 

The Need for Change
I want to take this opportunity to address several matters that affect the FRA. Without question, this will be pivotal year for the future of the Fleet Reserve Association and our members.
The FRA is a member-driven organization, but what exactly does that mean? It means that the success of the FRA requires every shipmate do his or her part with regard to recruiting and retention. We must all work to close the “back door” and bring back the members who have left the association. Everyone must strive to recruit at least one new member. It may take a little extra effort, but these actions must be taken.
At last year’s convention our Shipmates authorized the association to work with Brodie-Collins Consulting to assist the FRA in developing an over-arching strategy for strengthening our membership base. This study is nearly complete and the outcomes and recommendations will be presented to the National Board of Directors during their mid-term meeting in April. The recommendations will also be published in a future issue of FRA Today magazine. We’re awaiting these fresh ideas with great anticipation and we’re anxious to explore how these ideas can be implemented to help us recruit and retain members. It’s likely some of the recommendations will suggest we continue doing the things that are already working well for us; other suggestions may be a significant departure from the way we currently operate. I hope all shipmates will view these new strategies with an open mind and laser focus on how we can best sustain the FRA. 
Now is the time for us to reexamine our recruiting and retention efforts so that we can rebuild our membership base. We may have to find different ways to meet the needs of a new generation of younger shipmates, which may mean changes in the way the association does business. We have to think outside of the box if we want the younger enlisted to join our organization. It may be that our target group should be the veteran who is returning to civilian life or retiring from a civilian job after his/her military service. This group of older veterans may have more time to get involved with a group like FRA. We may also need to narrow the focus of our messaging to different audiences, i.e. single service members aren’t as interested in the commissary benefit or pharmacy copays as a retiree, while messages about pay raises and education benefits are more likely to resonate with them. Veterans who didn’t serve a full military career are more interested in VA benefits than the TRICARE benefit for which most are ineligible. 
Regardless, all shipmates should understand the benefits FRA provides to the different segments of the military and veterans communities. We should all carry membership applications, as well an arsenal of information about the benefits of FRA membership. 
During my travels through different regions I’ve noticed that many branches do not interact with other branches in their area and this concerns me. It’s in everyone’s best interest to communicate and work together whenever possible. Joining the FRA isn’t so different than when you joined your respective branch of service: You became part of the bigger picture and when a fellow Sailor, Marine or Coast Guard member needed assistance, we all chipped in to help. There is a genuine need for branches to come together and work together to rebuild relationships and comradery within the Association. 
I wish all Shipmates success during their mid-year meetings and conventions. Keep up the good work that is being done throughout the regions. I will be attending as many regional events as possible and look forward to seeing many shipmates during this time. 

Virgil Courneya was elected to serve as FRA’s national president during the 2015–2016 Association year. He is a member of Branch 274 (Reno, Nev.).

Return to Table of Contents

SHIPMATE FORUM 

Kudos for the Quilts of Valor Foundation
Thanks so much for the article highlighting the wonderful work the Quilts of Valor Foundation (QOVF) volunteers do.
In the Seattle/Puget Sound region, it was my pleasure to be associated with our local Puget Sound Honor Flight. As part of our tribute to our local WWII veterans, we hold a surprise “Welcome Home” celebration as they return from their three-day journey to Washington, D.C. We have numerous organizations at the Seattle Tacoma airport to celebrate their “Final Mission” return and the QOVF volunteers are there to distribute a quilt to each veteran. Their reaction is priceless.
We have flown several WWII members from local FRA branches and are continuing our mission to include Korean War and Vietnam War veterans. We fly approximately 60 veterans on each of our four yearly Honor Flights and [since the program’s inception in 2013], there have been close to 400 quilts distributed. The QOVF volunteers are very busy supporting our efforts.
Stephen Talkington 
CWO Identity
Has this happened to anyone else? After serving 20 years in the U.S. Navy and retiring with the rank of CWO-3, I was profoundly surprised and peeved about one more myth told to me during my career. After rising through the ranks as a Boatswain’s Mate, I was frocked from W-2 to W-3 with one year remaining until my retirement. I understood fully I would receive the highest monetary amount (E-9 pay) upon retirement and was also told that I would be afforded the ranks, privileges and customs associated with the warrant officer position.
After carrying a CWO-3 ID card for 30 years, I was taken aback when my wife’s ID card was due for renewal and I was reduced in rank to Boatswain’s Mate Master Chief. I knew this would be the case for my retirement amount, but not the associated reduction in practices after 30 years. I have a commissioning letter signed by the President and, I ask, was that all for nothing? Punishment for trying to achieve? Will I have to change uniforms when it’s time for me to leave this earth? I’m curious how my fellow warrants feel about this. 
Dale Schinn
Bravo Zulu for the FRA Member Directory
I am really enjoying the wonderful book [the FRA Member Directory 2016] that you sent me. It’s a mini-history of the Coast Guard, the Marine Corps, and the U.S. Navy, and also a mini-history of the civilian personnel who have made a contribution or work for the government. I really enjoy the stories that people have shared. I have learned information that I would have never known. Tremendous!!
Stephen Eisenach
Cold War Veterans
I served 22 years in the Navy, retiring in 1977. I visited 22 countries during my service, but missed the chosen few. The countries I paid a call to were not firing bullets or lobbing bombs at me, and there lies the difference. 
Nineteen of my years were spent diving into the oceans and seas up to 400 feet, to find things and perform operations we can’t speak of. I went where I was sent and did my job. Thousands of sailors performed similar missions of great value and possible peril. Many of those missions were during our nation’s longest war, The Cold War (1947-1991). The government, including the military, has not seen fit to award a medal or ribbon for this period. Numerous other “just be there” periods have been properly recognized: WWII victory, Korean Service, Global War on Terror, Navy Sea Service, etc. We served, we did many things, some very hazardous, yet we are collectively forgotten.
During the Cold War, we lost two submarines and survived numerous near misses with subs. Also, the USS Parche became the most decorated Navy vessel (Read Blind Man’s Bluff, by Susan Sontag). A diver lost his leg during the recovery of a missing H-Bomb. Up to eight divers a year perished. Some 40 or so sailors lost their lives in the explosion inside the BB Iowa’s gun turret. Many airmen died performing peace-time duties and many more stood in harm’s way on the flight decks of 12 aircraft carriers. These are only a few hazardous situations [our service members faced] in non-war zones.
We are not combat veterans, but, by the very nature of our duties, surely we [deserve recognition].
Dennis Morse

Submissions Send Shipmate Forum letters to Editor, FRA Today, 125 N. West St. Alexandria, VA 22314. E-mail submissions may be sent to fratoday@fra.org. Please include “Shipmate Forum” in the subject line. FRA reserves the right to select and edit letters for publication. Letters published in Shipmate Forum reflect the opinions and views of FRA members. They do not necessarily reflect the official position of FRA as a whole. FRA is not responsible for the accuracy of letter content.

Return to Table of Contents

ON & OFF CAPITOL HILL

FRA Ready to Storm Capitol Hill
As you receive this issue of FRA Today, the FRA Legislative Team is making final preparations for members of FRA’s National Board of Directors (NBOD) and other shipmates to “Storm Capitol Hill” on Thursday, April 14. This year’s Hill visits are especially timely, as shipmates will be discussing Congress’ efforts to redesign the TRICARE benefit and the Administration’s proposal to substantially increase TRICARE fee and pharmacy co-pays in its FY 2017 budget request. FRA wants to thank the members who participated in FRA’s pay and benefits survey, which has informed our preparations. These survey results have been shared with Capitol Hill staff, legislators and the House and Senate military personnel subcommittees, and help bolster FRA’s position on many important issues.
In conjunction with our Storm the Hill Day, FRA will be presenting its prestigious Pinnacle Award to Minnesota Rep. Tim Walz. These events are adjuncts to the NBOD’s mid-year meeting (Friday, April 15) and the Auxiliary’s annual Pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery (Saturday, April 16). See page 36 for Pilgrimage details. 
Return to Table of Contents

Subcommittees Hold Hearings on Military Health Care Reform
The House and Senate Armed Services’ Military Personnel Subcommittees (HASC-MP, SASC-P) recently held separate hearings on TRICARE and military health care reform. FRA provided statements for the record (available at www.fra.org) at both hearings, welcoming the review, but stating our belief that TRICARE can be fixed, which is counter to the Military Compensation and Retirement Modernization Commission’s final report. To strengthen our position, the statement cited FRA’s recent online survey (January/February 2016), in which respondents were asked, “It has been asserted in Congress that TRICARE is irrevocably broken. Would you support replacing TRICARE with a program that costs more, but offers a selection of benefits?” Nearly 90 percent (89.94%) responded “No.” 
The FRA statement also includes parameters for health care reform such as:
•	The premium for retiree health care has, at least in part, already been paid with 20 or more years of arduous military service;
•	The current level of coverage for all beneficiaries contained in the existing TRICARE benefit should be considered the minimum for any new health care reform;
•	Quality care, regardless of beneficiary location, should be improved through reform, including advanced technologies such as DoD’s new electronic health record (EHR) and telehealth capabilities; and
•	The Defense Department must sufficiently investigate and implement other options to make TRICARE more cost-efficient as alternatives to shifting costs to TRICARE beneficiaries.
In related news, FRA staff (shown above, l to r, Kerry Sprouffske,  DLP John Davis, and ADVP Brian Condon) met with HASC-MP Chairman Joe Heck (Nevada) to discuss health care reform, TRICARE fee increases, concurrent receipt reform, SBP/DIC offset repeal, and USFSPA reform.
Members can use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their legislators to oppose TRICARE fee increases and tell their legislators to amend TRICARE, not end it. 
Return to Table of Contents

Extend Assistance for Military Widows
Rep. Alan Grayson (Florida) introduced legislation (H.R. 4519) to provide a five-year extension of the Special Survivor Indemnity Allowance (SSIA) provided to military widows and widowers. This legislation is needed because the SSIA is due to expire on October 1, 2017.
SSIA provides partial financial relief to widows and widowers of deceased military members in receipt of Survivor Benefit Plan (SBP) annuities that are impacted by the required annuity offset for the Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (DIC) paid by the VA. FRA has been actively pursuing repeal of this insidious offset for several years (H.R. 1594/S. 979), and SSIA has provided limited financial relief for those affected.
In March, members of the FRA Legislative Team met with the Senate Armed Services’ Personnel Subcommittee to discuss this issue, as well as FRA’s 2016 Legislative Agenda, the Subcommittee’s plan for restructuring TRICARE, and to provide survey results from FRA’s online survey. These off-the-record meetings allow FRA staff to provide the enlisted sea service perspective to key staff members on Capitol Hill. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their legislators to support the SSIA extension (H.R. 4519) and repeal the unjust SBP/DIC offset (S. 979/H.R. 1594). 
Return to Table of Contents

FY 2017 Defense Budget Includes Commissary Cuts, TRICARE Fee Increases
The Department of Defense (DoD) released its FY 2017 budget request ($582.7 billion), which is only $2.5 billion more than the current year’s spending plan. House Armed Services Committee (HASC) Chairman Mac Thornberry (Texas) has already requested that the House Budget Committee provide an additional $15 billion more than the request. While this will be the first budget since FY 2013 that is not limited to sequestration spending caps, there are still reductions and caps that are not good new for FRA shipmates. The budget includes a $221 million cut in commissary funding and the Navy will be asked to trip $7 billion from its budget and reduced end strength from 327,300 to 322,900 sailors. Marine Corps end strength has shrunk nearly 20,000 since 2009. President Obama has also asked for another round of Base Realignment and Closures (BRAC), which Congress has in past years rejected out-of-hand. The request provides a 1.6 percent pay increase in active duty pay.
As part of the budget plan, the Pentagon is again proposing to increase fees and co-pays for TRICARE, including plans to: 
•	Create a TRICARE-for-Life (TFL) annual fee of $150 for new beneficiaries;
•	Replace TRICARE “Prime” and “Standard” with new programs TRICARE “Choice” and “Select”;
•	Require all retirees under age 65 to pay larger enrollment fees;
•	Increase pharmacy co-pays; and
•	Increase deductibles for the new TRICARE Choice and Select programs.
Shipmates are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their legislators to oppose these TRICARE fee, co-pay, and deductible increases. 
Return to Table of Contents

VA Budget Roll Out
The 2017 federal budget requests $182.3 billion for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – $78.7 billion in discretionary spending and $103.6 billion in mandatory funding for veterans benefit programs. The discretionary request is a 4.9-percent increase over the 2016 budget.
The current disability appeals process is complicated and ineffectual (see page 10), and the budget provides funding for creating a more streamlined appeals process. The budget request provides $12.2 billion for community care, as compared to $10.5 billion in FY 2016. Over the past decade, the VA has seen a significant increase in veteran claims and has taken steps to manage the increase, improve quality of care, and streamline the delivery of services. However, there have been scandals, budget shortfalls, disciplinary issues and a lingering backlog. FRA National President Virgil Courneya testified on the VA budget and other veterans’ issues before a joint hearing of the House and Senate Veterans Affairs Committee on Wednesday, March 16, 2016. His statement is available at www.fra.org. 
Return to Table of Contents

More Retirement Changes Proposed by Pentagon
Last year, Congress enacted and the president signed into law major changes to the military retirement system that replaced the current defined benefit with a “blended” retirement system for those joining the military after January 1, 2018. The plan provides the option of participating in the new system for those who joined the military on or after January 2006, but before January 1, 2018. The blended system reduces the defined benefit program from 50 percent to 40 percent of active duty pay for those who serve 20 or more years and provides a defined contribution plan, known as a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), with a one-percent employer contribution and matching employer contribution up to 4 percent of the employee’s contribution starting after the third year of service. Matching contributions end after 26 years of service. The new system provides a bonus at 12 years of service, if the service member signs up for four more years of service, and the bonus would be at least equal to three months’ pay.
The Pentagon has proposed a number of changes that Congress may consider this year. These changes include:
•	Matching TSP contribution would start at the fifth (currently third) year of service (FRA opposes);
•	Matching employer contributions extended beyond current 26 years until retirement (FRA supports);
•	Increasing maximum employer contribution from five percent of pay to six percent (FRA supports); and
•	Removing the mandate for a 12-year career bonus (FRA opposes).
These provisions amending the new “blended” retirement system will only impact future service members who join the military after January 1, 2018. Current service members who joined after January 1, 2006 and before January 1, 2018 may opt to join the new “blended” retirement system. 
Return to Table of Contents

Veterans Issues
Legislation to Streamline VA Claim Appeals Introduced
Senator Dan Sullivan (Alaska) recently introduced the “Express Appeals Act” (S. 2473), which seeks to establish a new, voluntary five-year pilot program to help reduce the large backlog of disability claim appeals before the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA). Sullivan said, “It is astonishing to me that an average veteran waits nearly 1,000 days—or almost three years—for the VA to resolve an appeal of one of their benefit decisions. Proud veterans across the U.S. … should not have to endure these absurd, multi-year wait times just to see their cases resolved.” The bill will create a pilot program to provide timely and accurate decisions on veterans’ appeals before the VBA.
Many disabled veterans who have filed a claim and received the decision feel the VA has made a mistake. FRA feels strongly that they should not be penalized for the VA’s error by having to wait two or more years for an appeal to be completed. While the VA is making progress on reducing the overall disability claims backlog, many veterans who file an appeal are waiting too long to get a final determination. The legislation (S. 2473) intends to cut bureaucratic red tape, allowing disputes with the VA to be resolved in a timelier manner. Additionally, entrance into this program would be completely voluntary, and a veteran would be able to exit the express appeals process at any time and re-enter the traditional pipeline at the end of the line with no adverse consequences.
With over 400,000 appeals clogged up in a growing backlog, it is imperative to move forward with common sense reform proposals like this legislation, FRA is grateful to Senator Sullivan for sponsoring this bill and Senators Bob Casey (Pennsylvania), Dean Heller (Nevada) and Jon Tester (Montana) for co-sponsoring the bill at introduction. Members are urged to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their senators to support this important legislation to help disabled veterans. 
Return to Table of Contents

Veterans Bills Pass the House
The House of Representatives recently passed six veterans bills. These include: The Veterans Employment, Education, and Healthcare Improvement Act” (H.R. 3016); the “Construction Reform Act” (H.R. 3106); the “Career-Ready Student Veterans Act” (H.R. 2360); the “American Heroes COLA Act” (H.R. 677); the “Failing VA Medical Center Recovery Act” (H.R. 3234); and the “Female Veteran Suicide Prevention Act” (H.R. 2015). Many of these measures had been amended in committee to include provisions from other bills. Important provisions include automatic annual COLA adjustments for VA benefits, expanded canine therapy for veterans suffering with PTSD, extension of the Yellow Ribbon Program to Fry Scholarship beneficiaries, improved postnatal care for female veterans, the removal of the cap on VA home loan guarantees, and the requirement that VA accept private evidence for disability compensation claims. These bills now move to the Senate for consideration. 
Return to Table of Contents

VA Suicide Hotline Calls Handled Improperly
According to a recent report from the Office of Inspector General (OIG), more than 20 veterans, service members or family members who called the Veterans Crisis Line in FY 2014 were transferred to a voicemail system and their calls were never returned. The Veterans Crisis Line was established in 2007 to address the growing problem of suicide among veterans and service members. It has fielded more than 2 million calls and is credited with saving more than 50,000 lives. FRA’s own 2014 testimony divulged a Facebook post from a veteran on January 14, 2014, who claimed that they had called the hotline been put on hold for four minutes and 15 seconds and then the call was dropped. On average, 22 veterans commit suicide every day, making suicide prevention a high priority issue for FRA.
The number for the Veterans Crisis Line is 800-273-8255. Online chat is also available at 
www.veteranscrisisline.net or by texting 838255. 
Return to Table of Contents

Vietnam Wall “In Memory” Program
More than 58,000 names meet the Defense Department’s criteria to be etched into the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, but those who survived the war — and who later died as a result of their service — are not. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund acknowledges their service and sacrifice through an online “In Memory” Honor Roll. Causes of death that fit the criteria for inclusion in the program include exposure to Agent Orange, PTSD-related illnesses/events, cancer, diabetes, heart attacks, etc. The program is free and the application process is simple. To honor a loved one, you only need to submit the veteran’s DD214 to show his or her proof of service in the Vietnam War, a copy of his or her death certificate, and a photograph. For information or to submit applications, go to www.vvmf.org/InMemoryProgram. Read more at: www.texvet.com/postings/vietnam-wall-memory-program#sthash.a2k8Aapv.dpuf. 
Return to Table of Contents

Quicker Veterans Benefits Introduced
The “Quicker Veterans Benefits Delivery Act” (H.R. 1331/S. 666) has been introduced by Rep. Tim Walz (Minnesota) and Senator Al Franken (Minnesota) in the House and the Senate, respectively. Current law allows the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to accept, for purposes of establishing a claim for veterans disability benefits, a report of a medical examination administered by a private physician without requiring confirmation by a Veterans Health Administration (VHA) physician if the report is sufficiently complete. This new legislation would require that examinations by private physicians be accepted. 
“After these brave men and women put their lives on the line for us, the least we can do is ensure they are getting the benefits they have earned in a timely manner,” said Rep. Walz. “I recognize this problem was not created, nor will it be solved, overnight, but we can and must do better.” 
FRA strongly supports this commonsense legislation and urges members to use the FRA Action Center (action.fra.org/action-center) to ask their legislators to support it today. 
Return to Table of Contents

Active Duty Issues
Navy Seal Receives Medal of Honor
President Obama presented Senior Chief Special Warfare Operator Edward Byers with our nation’s highest military decoration, the Medal of Honor. On Dec. 8, 2012, his unit rescued Dr. Dilip Joseph from the Taliban, deep in the remote mountains of eastern Afghanistan. During this operation, Byers displayed extraordinary bravery and dedication to the mission through his actions. Byers will be the 11th living American service member to receive the medal for actions in Afghanistan and is the sixth Navy SEAL in history to be awarded the Medal of Honor.
A native of Ohio, he graduated from Otsego High School in 1997. He enlisted in the Navy as a hospital corpsman, serving in Navy and Marine Corps units until he became a SEAL in 2003. He has served 11 overseas deployments including nine combat tours. He received the Bronze Star with “V” device for combat valor five times as well as two Purple Hearts and two Combat Action Ribbons. 
Return to Table of Contents

SecNav Announces Retirement
Secretary of the Navy (SecNav) Ray Mabus, in testimony before House Appropriations Committee, Defense Subcommittee (HAC-Def), indicated that he would be stepping down, but did not give a specific date. Mabus has served as SecNav since May 19, 2009, and has served under four different Secretaries of Defense. The former Governor of Mississippi is the longest serving SecNav since Josephus Daniels, who served from 1913–1921 under President Woodrow Wilson.
At the HAC-Def hearing, Mabus said, “For me, leading the Department of the Navy is the greatest honor of my life. I couldn’t be more proud of our sailors, our Marines, and our civilian [employees]. I’m so proud of the many steps we’ve taken and the changes we’ve made to try to ensure… the Navy and the Marine Corps in the future remain the greatest expeditionary fighting force the world has ever known.” 
Return to Table of Contents

Passing of Former MCPONs
FRA sadly reports the recent passing of two Master Chief Petty Officers of the Navy (MCPON).  
MCPON Robert “Bob” James Walker, Sr., USN (Ret), was the third MCPON, serving from September 1975 to September 1978.   He joined the staff of the Supreme Commander on February 15 at the age of 87. 
Shipmate William “Bill” H. Plackett, USN (Ret.), the Navy’s sixth MCPON, passed away on March 4, 2016 at the age of 78.  Shipmate Plackett served as the Navy’s senior enlisted advisor from October 1985 through September 1988, and was an outspoken advocate for the FRA.  He joined FRA in July 1982 and was a member of Branch 5 (Norfolk, Virginia). 
MCPON is the equivalent to the Sergeant Major of the Army, Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force, Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps, Master Chief Petty Officer of the Coast Guard, and Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. He is appointed by the Chief of Naval Operations to serve as a spokesman to address the issues of enlisted personnel to the highest positions in the Navy. As such, he is the senior enlisted advisor to the Chief of Naval Operations as well as the Chief of Naval Personnel. 
Return to Table of Contents

Enlisted Leaders Tell Congress Concerns about Blended Retirement, Budget Cuts
The House Appropriations Committee’s Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Subcommittee (HAC-MilCon/VA) provided a forum for DoD’s senior enlisted advisors (Army, Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force) to tell Congress about confusion regarding the new blended retirement system, deterioration of housing benefits and slow growth of compensation as top concerns for the enlisted ranks. (The U.S. Coast Guard senior enlisted does not testify at this hearing because the Subcommittee does not have jurisdiction over the Coast Guard.) They told the Subcommittee that they are concerned about the effect of continuing budget cuts on morale.
Master Chief Petty Officer of the Navy (MCPON) Mike Stevens said pay and benefits are the top concerns he hears in the fleet. They hear about budget discussions that have been going on at senior levels, and sailors and their families feel it’s a matter of time before it actually occurs. “There’s the perceived and the actual. It creates a level of anxiety that’s not healthy for the force.”
Sergeant Major of the Marine Corps (SMMC) Ronald Green said “[the] service also has had to deal with funding decreases that continue to eat away at our readiness. The Marine Corps shouldn’t have to make decisions between quality of work and quality of life.” 
FRA wants to thank Subcommittee Chairman Charlie Dent (Pennsylvania) and Ranking Member Sanford Bishop (Georgia) for scheduling this hearing to provide an opportunity to hear the enlisted perspective on military pay and benefits.

Return to Table of Contents

The FRA Legislative Team is National Executive Director Tom Snee, Director of Legislative Programs John Davis, Assistant Director of Legislative Programs Stephen Tassin and National Veterans Service Officer Chris Slawinski.

MEMBERSHIP MATTERS 
Always Keep Moving Forward
The theme for the new recruiting year is “Always Keep Moving Forward.” It began on April 1, 2016 and will end on March 31, 2017. We offered two new recruiting initiatives last year, and we will repeat them for 2016–17. The objective for all of our incentives is to encourage recruiting and retention among our shipmates, which keeps our voice strong on Capitol Hill. Here is a summary of all of our recruiting and retention incentive programs.
Regular Recruiting Incentives
Recruit 1–2: The National President’s Membership Club: Any member of the FRA or Auxiliary who recruits or sponsors one new active duty member of the USN, USMC, and/or USCG will receive a collectible pin for that service. Any member of the same group who recruits two additional new members will be eligible to receive the National President’s Membership Club pin.
Recruit 3: Any FRA or Auxiliary member who recruits or sponsors three new or reinstated members will be eligible to receive a “Moving Forward” collectible pin.
Recruit 10: Any member of the FRA or Auxiliary who recruits or sponsors 10 new or reinstated members will be eligible to receive a one-time collectible pin, gold FRA lapel button and a letter of commendation signed by the National President.
Recruit 32: Any FRA member who recruits or sponsors 32 new or reinstated members during the recruiting period will be eligible to receive a life membership (or $200 cash award if already a life member). For each subsequent 32 members recruited, a member will be eligible to receive an additional award of $200.
Recruit 50: The Silver Anchor Squadron Award may be awarded to any eligible FRA or Auxiliary member who recruits or sponsors 50 new or reinstated members. The award will be a Silver Anchor Squadron Award pin, along with a certificate and letter of commendation signed by the National President.
Recruit Previous Members—Branch Award: This program gives a monetary award of $100 to the top branch in each of the five Membership Groups for reinstating the greatest number of previous members back into the FRA. A check for $100 will be awarded to each winning branch at the 2016 FRA National Convention.
Continuing Special Incentives
Recruit 5: Any FRA member who recruits or sponsors five new or reinstated members will be eligible to receive the “Recruit 5” collectible pin and an extension of one year of membership dues valued at $30. If the recruiter is already a Life Member, a special gift valued at $30 will be awarded in lieu of paying for one year of membership dues. The recruiter would be eligible to recruit only one set of five new or reinstated members during the recruiting year and receive the special incentive award.
Retain 10: To strengthen retention, we will randomly draw 10 names of new or reinstated members each quarter who are eligible for renewal. This drawing will be held in July, October, December 2016 and April 2017. We will renew or extend their membership for one year (a $30 value).
“Always Keep Moving Forward” should be in the hearts and minds of FRA and Auxiliary members. Our strength in numbers maintains our status as an important and influential veteran’s service organization, representing members and promoting our goals and mission to members of Congress. Any FRA member in good standing — in branches and members-at-large — can recruit or influence recruiting and retention for our organization. The winners of the 2015–16 special recruiting/retention incentives will be announced in the May issue of FRA Today.
Be a walking fountain of FRA knowledge and introduce our programs to prospective shipmates you encounter in your community, at outreach events or anywhere veterans and service members may gather. Tell them about our legislative victories to protect pay, benefits and quality-of-life programs for all our members and their families. Mention our youth activities, which include support of scouting, NJROTC, Sea Cadets and sporting programs, many of which are sponsored by FRA branches. The FRA Education Foundation offers numerous scholarships that support post-secondary education for those affiliated with the Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. Be sure to tell them FRA has more than 92 years of experience representing our shipmates on Capitol Hill.
Be proud of the FRA and promote it as the best association to join. 

Penny Collins is FRA’s Director of Membership Development and a member of FRA Branch 24 in Annapolis, Md. She can be reached at penny@fra.org.

Return to Table of Contents

FEATURE

Have a BIG TIME in Jacksonville, Florida
FRA shipmates and Auxiliary members of First Coast Branch and Unit 91 proudly invite members to enjoy sunny beaches, balmy breezes and Southern hospitality in Jacksonville, Florida — the site of this year’s national conventions. Mark your calendars for October 11th through 16th, 2016 and have a big time in Jacksonville!
Plan now to attend this year’s annual gathering of shipmates and Auxiliary members!
Jacksonville has a lot to brag about. It’s the largest city in the United States, geographically (more than 874 square miles), and the largest city in Florida by population (1,345,596 by 2010 census data). Jacksonville offers an assortment of interesting attractions that is equally large. Jacksonville (affectionately known as “Jax”) and the surrounding area offer something for everyone — pristine sandy beaches, a variety of outdoor experiences along the St. Johns River, a thriving downtown area that’s enjoying a cultural renaissance, unique dining destinations and a variety of nightlife options — all presented with Southern charm and warmth. And for you sports fans, it’s also home to the NFL’s Jacksonville Jaguars, the AFL’s Jacksonville Sharks and minor league baseball’s Jacksonville Suns. 
Plan now to reconnect with fellow shipmates and friends, forge new friendships and explore the wonders of Jacksonville at the FRA and Auxiliary 2016 national conventions!
Downtown Jacksonville
Nestled between soaring skyscrapers and the St. Johns River, Jacksonville is home to Fortune 500 companies, world-class museums, a beautiful river walk and incredible views of the city’s dramatic skyline and beautiful bridges. And FRA and Auxiliary members are going to be in the center of it all.
Convention delegates will be staying at the Lexington Hotel and Conference Center, which is located on the Southbank of the St. Johns River in the historic San Marco neighborhood. The centerpiece of the area is a beautiful town square, modeled after St. Mark’s Square in Venice, Italy, and anchored by a large fountain guarded by three enormous bronze lions. Visitors will also discover incredible dining venues, nightlife hot spots, trendy boutiques and sensational art galleries. Nearby Riverfront Park is the perfect spot to watch the sunset and spot dolphins and manatees on the River. 
As an added bonus, convention delegates can easily get around via a Downtown Trolley, a free Skyway monorail that connects both sides of the river (information about both are available at www.jtafla.com/schedules) and a water taxi that runs every 30 minutes (www.jaxrivertaxi.com) — all with stops very near to the convention hotel. (See page 29 for more details.) And there are Downtown Ambassadors, wearing bright orange shirts, throughout the downtown area to answer questions, provide directions and offer assistance to visitors. 
A Military Town
Jacksonville’s deep water access has been a key element 
in its history and its continuing presence as a military community. The city and surrounding areas are home to multiple military bases, including Navy, Marine Corps and Coast Guard facilities that make the military the largest employer in Jacksonville. Naval Air Station Jacksonville (about four miles south of the main business district), Naval Submarine Base at Kings Bay (about an hour north of Jacksonville, in Georgia) and Naval Station Mayport 
(approximately 20 miles east of Jax) all support a strong Navy presence, while Blount Island (just outside the city) 
is a Marine Corps Logistics base and Coast Guard Sector Jacksonville (also 20 miles east of the city) oversees operations from Kings Bay, Ga., to Cape Canaveral, Fla. 
The City of Jacksonville is proud of its connection with the military and pays tribute to its current and former service members in two important monuments. The city’s Veterans Memorial Wall honors the more than 1,500 Jacksonville area American war heroes. The outdoor memorial (located at 1145 East Adams Street, across the river from the convention hotel and adjacent to the Jacksonville Municipal Stadium) features a 65 foot-long black granite wall that contains the names of servicemen and women from World War I through Operation Desert Storm and the current war on terrorism. Jacksonville’s rich connection to the U.S. Navy is honored with the city’s unique Lone Sailor statue (1400 Riverplace Blvd., a short walk from the convention hotel). Sculpted by Stanley Bleifeld, the same artist who sculpted the Lone Sailor at the Navy Memorial in Washington, D.C., the Jacksonville Lone Sailor is a one-of-a-kind Lone Sailor tribute, known affectionately as the Liberty Hound.
The Convention Committee is working to organize a Navy Birthday celebration for FRA and Auxiliary delegates at one of these two sites.
Food and Drink
Jacksonville is an up-and-coming “foodie” destination, with new dining venues popping up all over town and a food truck revolution in full swing. Young, talented chefs are reinventing the region’s best flavors and dishes to create a whole new brand of Southern cuisine. Local restaurants have unique menus that show a sense of Jacksonville pride by focusing on local produce and the city as the main inspiration. The city’s culinary experience runs the gamut from upscale bistros to down-home eateries (many quite near the convention hotel) and there’s sure to be something to please everyone’s palette. The Visit Jacksonville website says it best: Life is short. Eat well in Jax!
And bars like Dos Gatos (which hosts Rock n Roll Karaoke on Monday, October 10th, during convention week), The Volstead (which will also be hosting Movie Monday on October 10th), The Flying Iguana, Bar X, and The Grape and Grain Exchange are combining new and exciting flavors that promote a farm-to-bar flavor in their cocktails. Cheers!
Beer is also big in Jacksonville. There are a number of craft breweries in and around the city, eight of which make up the Jax Ale Trail. The self-guided tour takes Ale Trail adventurers to the participating breweries: Aardwolf Brewing Company, Bold City Brewery, Engine 15 Brewing Company, Green Room Brewing, Intuition Ale Works, and Pinglehead Brewing Company, Veterans United Craft Brewing and Zeta Brewing Company, each of which offers a different spin on Jacksonville’s local craft beer scene. Consider visiting Intuition Ale Works and Aardwolf Brewing Company on Wednesday, when each brewery releases a limited and/or new beer. 
If you’re up for a challenge, pick up an Ale Trail Passport at any of the participating breweries or city visitors’ centers and hit as many as you can. Get your passport stamped at four breweries to win a beer koozie and visit all eight breweries to win a koozie and a Jax Ale Trail T-shirt! And if you’re too busy during convention to bring your stamped passport to a visitors’ center to collect your prizes, you can mail it to the Visit Jacksonville office downtown. They’ll mail your passport back along with your new Jax swag! The list of locations and brewery hours is available at 
www.visitjacksonville.com/jax-ale-trail/breweries/ 
Even if you can’t make it to all the breweries, you might be enticed to visit the one closest to the convention hotel. The Aardwolf Brewing Company (1461 Hendricks Avenue) is located in the historic San Marco area. Take a step back in time as you step into Aardwolf’s Taproom, a renovated ice house from the early to mid-1930’s, where a new pilot batch beer is released every Wednesday. Be the first to try it … or one of the other brews they offer. A list of their beers and tour information is available at www.aardwolfbrewing.com or by calling 904-301-0755. 
Convention goers can also visit the Jacksonville Budweiser Brewery, where they can enjoy a fully immersive experience of sight, sound, smell and, of course, taste while learning the story of Anheuser-Busch and what it takes to bring you a cold Bud. Visitors can choose between the Beermaster Tour, Beer School or take a free tour that ends with a two-beer sample. The brewery (located at 111 Busch Drive) conducts tours every day except Wednesdays, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM and it’s a good idea to call ahead for reservations. For more information, visit www.budweisertours.com (and click Jacksonville from the pull-down “Locations” menu) or call 904-696-8373. 
If you’re looking for a sweet treat to cap the day, don’t miss the Peterbrooke Chocolatier Production Center (2024 San Marco Blvd.). Take a tour of this local chocolate factory and see how their decadent treats, including their famous chocolate-covered popcorn, are made. Self-guided tours are free, guided tours are just $1. Visit www.peterbrookesanmarco.com or call 904-398-2489 for more information and available tour dates.
Arts and Culture
Jacksonville has consistently been ranked as one of the Top 25 Big Cities for Arts in the nation, and it is a well-deserved acknowledgment of this world-class arts and culture destination. The city’s cultural scene encompasses top-notch museums; regular music festivals and venues featuring everything from classical to blues, to jazz and rock-and-roll; and outdoor art exhibits and markets. 
One of the city’s premier museums is the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens (829 Riverside Ave.). Ninah Mae Holden Cummer willed her vast art collections, home and two-acre gardens to the museum. Its galleries showcase one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Meissen porcelain, as well as large collections of American, European and Japanese art. Consider visiting the Cummer Museum on Tuesday during your stay in Jacksonville; the museum is open until 9:00 PM and admission is free on Tuesdays. The on premise café offers Tapas Tuesdays, where guests a can enjoy beverages and “artfully inspired tapas” while listening to local musicians between 5 and 7:30 PM. The learn more, visit www.cummermuseum.org or 
call 904-356-6857 for more information. 
Jacksonville’s Museum of Science & History (MOSH) is located on the Southbank Riverwalk (1025 Museum Circle) and features a main exhibit (that rotates quarterly) and extensive displays that highlight Northeast Florida’s flora, fauna and history. MOSH also houses the area’s only astronomy theater, the Bryan Gooding Planetarium. Consider visiting MOSH on Friday, October 14th, when admission is a flat $5 entry fee. To learn more, visit www.themosh.org
In addition to the Cummer and MOSH, don’t miss the Downtown Ritz Theatre & Museum (829 North Davis Street, 904-807-2010, www.ritzjacksonville.com) , the Museum of Contemporary Art Jacksonville (333 North Laura Street, 904-366-6911, mocajacksonville.unf.edu) and the Jacksonville Fire Museum (1406 Gator Bowl Blvd, 904-630-0618, www.jacksonvillefiremuseum.com)!
If you prefer your art in less structured environments, consider taking in the Riverside Arts Market (RAM) that provides a storefront presence for up to 200 artists, craftsmen, food vendors and farmers to sell their products 
every Saturday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Located under the sheltering canopy of the Fuller Warren Bridge 
(715 Riverside Avenue), RAM has been an institution in Jacksonville since 2009 and is arguably the most unique arts and entertainment venue in Northeast Florida. 
The Great Outdoors
Jacksonville’s a big city with lots of outdoor appeal. Boasting the largest urban-park system in the country, 22 miles of beaches, 40 miles of the Intracoastal Waterway, and the longest stretch of the St. Johns River in the State of Florida, Jacksonville is an outdoor wonderland. And remember that average October temperatures in Jacksonville range from a low of 61 to a high of 80 degrees — perfect weather for being outside!
Jacksonville has more shoreline than any other city in the nation with 1,100 miles of navigable water, including some of the most beautiful, white sandy beaches in the nation. Bring your flip-flops and sunscreen and enjoy majestic sunrises, sunny afternoons and star-filled nights on one of the many area beaches, each beautiful in its own way and with its own unique vibe. Atlantic Beach is the quintessential Florida beach community with a vibrant dining and nightlife scene, dive bars, boutique resorts and friendly family atmosphere. Jacksonville Beach is a party destination with great nightlife, chain hotels and surf shops. Huguenot Park lets beachgoers drive on the sand and bring the party with them. Boneyard Beach at Big Talbot Island is a must-see with dozens of Live Oaks resting on the sand, reminiscent of white skeletons. Explore them all!
As Northeast Florida’s urban hub, the number, size and variety of parks in Jacksonville often surprises visitors. The city claims more than 400 city parks, two national parks, and seven state parks, many of which are waterfront venues where visitors can enjoy a variety of aquatic activities, as well as hiking, biking and camping adventures for landlubbers. There are also more than 1,220 golf courses in Northeastern Florida that offer pristine course conditions, affordable rates, comfortable weather year-round and great deals — particularly in the Fall. 
If you’re looking for a wild time, consider exploring to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for the only walking safari in Northeast Florida. Enjoy more than 2,000 rare and exotic animals, including the Range of the Jaguar and Giraffe Overlook exhibits, and 1,000 varieties of plants. Located at 370 Zoo Parkway, the Jax Zoo encompasses 117 acres and has something for everyone. Open seven day a week, the Zoo offers admissions packages that include 
basic admission and/or access to its Stringray Bay exhibit, 4-D Theater and unlimited Train & Carousel Rides. Visit 
www.jacksonvillezoo.org or call 904-757-4463 for more information. 
Dinner and a Show
In the early 1900s, Jacksonville was a big player in the film industry and was considered the “Winter Film Capital of the World,” offering New York-based filmmakers a warm climate, exotic locations, excellent rail access and cheap labor. During its glory days, more than 30 movie studios called Jacksonville home. The city’s star faded when Hollywood emerged as a filmmaking city, but Jacksonville’s tie to its moviemaking history is still alive and well. 
Jacksonville boasts several high-style movie palaces built during Northeast Florida’s 
film heyday, including The San Marco Theater (1996 San Marco Blvd.). Built in 1938, the theater has been restored to its golden glory and, in addition to its retro ambiance, it’s a popular destination 
for a unique night out — offering a menu of pizzas and hot sandwiches, along with a great selection of beer and wine, to be enjoyed during the nightly movie. Best of all, it’s only about a mile from the convention hotel! Visit sanmarcotheatre.com to see what’s playing when you’re in Jacksonville.
Another historic movie house in Jacksonville is the Sun-Ray Cinema, which opened in 1927. It was the first theater in Florida, and third in the nation, equipped to show talking pictures. Located across the river from the convention hotel (1028 Park St.), Sun-Ray offers a balanced mix of first run and repertory films. Visit sunraycinema.com to see the coming attractions and learn more about the selection of food, beer and wine that can be delivered to your seat. 
Although it no longer shows films, the Florida Theater (128 East Forsyth Street) delivered silent movies and Vaudeville acts to Jacksonville in its early days. Built in 1927 by renowned architect Roy Benjamin (who also designed the San Marco Theater), it is one of only four remaining Florida movie palaces built during the Mediterranean Revival architectural boom of the 1920s. The venue now hosts 200 entertainment events per year, including ballet, opera, stand-up comics and a wide variety of musical concerts, and is also the site for community events like graduations, award ceremonies, lectures and charity events. 
Jacksonville’s moviemaking history also lives on through the work of filmmaker Richard Norman, who established Norman Laboratories in 1920 and made his mark as a pioneer in talking films. As a white male, he also created a new outlet for African-American actors, cameramen and audiences. Norman’s property is now the home of the Jacksonville Silent Film Museum at Norman Studios, which is open for tours by appointment. Visit www.normanstudios.org to learn more or contact Rita Reagan, Community & Education Director, at outreach@normanstudios.org or 904-716-0706 to arrange a tour.
Coming Soon
Your Convention Committee is working hard to plan an outstanding convention in this vibrant and exciting city. Details about guest speakers, learning opportunities, menus for special luncheons and the Saturday banquet will be available soon. Keep your eyes open for upcoming editions of the 2016 convention newsletters, which are posted online at www.fra.org/nc2016 as they are available. In the meantime, here’s a tentative schedule of the major components of convention week: 
Tuesday, October 11 	1:00 PM: FRA and Auxiliary Pre-Convention Board of Directors Meetings
Wednesday, October 12	Morning: Joint Opening Ceremonies
	Afternoon: First Business Session for FRA and Auxiliary Delegates
	Evening: Welcome Aboard Party
Saturday, October 15 	Evening: Installation and Banquet
Sunday, October 16 	Morning: FRA and Auxiliary Post-Convention Board of Directors Meetings
In addition to the aforementioned Navy Birthday celebration, the committee is exploring options for touring Naval Air Station Jacksonville and attending a Jacksonville Jaguars’ professional football game.
Convention Details
Plan now to attend this year’s gatherings. It’s not too early to make reservations!
Convention Hotel
The 2016 FRA and Auxiliary National Conventions will be held at the Lexington Hotel and Conference Center (1515 Prudential Dr.), a newly renovated property that promises to wow delegates not only with its accommodations and amenities, but also with its convenient and picturesque location on the Southbank of St. Johns River. 
Rooms will be available with one king-sized or two double beds for the special FRA rate of $89.00 (plus 13% tax). This rate includes a hot breakfast for two each morning and also applies for three days before and after the conventions. 
To reserve your rooms, please call 904-396-5100 and use the group code “Fleet Reserve.” Reservations can also be made online at bit.ly/20W2NbY.
Delegates with special needs should make their reservations with the hotel first and then contact the convention chairs. There are a limited number of handicapped-accessible rooms and they will be assigned on a first come-first served basis. 
Your Convention Chairs
FRA PRPSE James “Robbie” Robbins  •  Auxiliary PNP Sandra “Sandy” Robbins
Home Phone: 904-269-2136  •  Robbie’s cell: 904-599-8730  •  Sandy’s cell: 904-463-1181
e-mail: SLGR@bellsouth.net
Supporting your National Convention 
Branches, units, businesses and individuals can support the national conventions by purchasing an ad in the convention journal or making a donation to the booster roll. Prices and information on submitting artwork and payment are available in the convention newsletter at www.fra.org/nc2016. All submissions must be received by September 10, 2016. Ads purchased (and payments received) on or before June 30 are eligible for a 10% discount. 
Ad/Booster Roll Submission
Prices for advertising in the 2016 National Convention Journal are as follows: 
(Circle one and include payment and artwork/business card with request)
Full Page: $180	Half Page: $95	Quarter Page: $50	Eighth Page: $30	Business Card: $25
Booster Roll listing: Suggested: $.50 per name
Enclosed is $________  Name: ____________________________________________ Branch  ____  Unit____
Name: ________________________________________________________________ Branch  ____  Unit____
Name: ________________________________________________________________ Branch  ____  Unit____
Name: ________________________________________________________________ Branch  ____  Unit____
Please send all Journal and Booster Roll submissions to: 
2016 FRA/LAFRA National Convention Journal, 5391 Collins Road, Jacksonville, FL 32244
Make all checks* payable to: 2016 FRA/LAFRA National Convention
*Credit card payments will be accepted, as long as complete information is provided. 

Lauren Armstrong is the Contributing Editor and Member of the FRA Auxiliary. She can be reached at lauren@fra.org.

Return to Table of Contents

TAPS

Adams, Clarence P, ADCS, USN	022
Antonio, Fedencio, YN1, USN	MAL

Barker, J A, HMC, USN	MAL
Bloemker, R L, AQC, USN	070
Bobbitt, John B, BTC, USN	117
Bonnell, JR., John C., MSgt, USMC	040
Borinski, Edmund J, BUC, USN	061
Box, Charles L, CWO3, USN	008
Boydston, Edward, CAPT, USNR	MAL
Broskoskie, Kenneth C, MMCS, 
USN	126
Brown, William L, ETCS, USN	028
Bryant, Robert A, RM1, USN	307
Burden, Wayne A, ABEC, USN	105
Butler, William, MSC, USN	010

Casey, Jim, EM2, USN	063
Clark, John A, GMG1, USN	089
Clonts, Emery A, HMCM, USN	MAL
Coker, Edward E., PO2, USN	210
Combest, Booker, CPO, USN	257
Cook, Charles F, SGTMAJ, USMC	217
Crinigan, Richard H, ETC(SW), USN	216
Crowl, Marion E, ENC(SS), USN	221

Delarosa, Edward M, ENCS, USN	MAL
Duprey, Francis, ADRC, USN	263
Dye, James A, LTJG, USN	212

Edmondson, Edward E, AOC, USN	091
Eichelberger, Wilmer G, AEC/ ASC, 
USN	057

Felguth, Ernest G, LT, USN	126
Ferguson, James A, ENCS, USN	MAL
Ferranti, Joseph T, ADC, USN	091
Frazar, John L, AGCS, USN	MAL

Gadsden, James, SD1, USN	001
Gebhart, Sheri, YNC, USN	263
Gilmore, Larry T, OSCS, USN	MAL
Ginn, Jimmie R, EN1(SS), USN	MAL
Goza, Harold B, 1STSGT, USMC	089
Gray, John A., HMC, USN	MAL

Harbin, Samuel O, RMC, USN	089
Hardy, Wilbur L, AA, USN	324
Harrison, Herbert, CWO2, USN	MAL
Haywood, James E, TMC, USN	230
Heatherley, James G, USN	060
Hedman, Clayton E, RMC, USN	010
Helmrich, William C, RMC, USN	254
Hollandsworth, Nelson, EMC, USN	060
Holliger, Samuel I, BMC, USN	MAL
Hood, Carlton D., CPO, USN	091
Hubbard, Glen D, CPO, USN	008
Huffaker, Robert L, QMC, USN	269

Ickes, Alan G, PNCS, USN	022
Inns, Robert H, MRC, USN	147
Ivan, Andrew, TMC, USN	070

Jividen, John L, DPC, USN	181

Kluck, Robert, PNC, USN	MAL
Konruff, Thomas, CPO, USN	091

Laborte, Charles A, SD1, USN	084
Leon, Arturo, RMCS/SS, USN	MAL

Madusky, Robert E, POC, USN	042
Malapit, Juanito, PO1, USN	004
Malloy, John T, AWCM, USN	MAL
Marusch, Anthony K, ADJC, USN	061
Massie, Robert L, AMHC, USN	091
McClure, Donald W, ETCS, USN	234
McKinney, D E, MSGT, USMC	251
McLaughlin, William R., HM1, USN	MAL
McQuarrie, William M, SK2, USN	MAL
Miller, Arthur Douglas, MMC, USN	024
Miller, Robert R, SKCS, USN	145
Moncrieff, Robert A, AW1, USN	091
Moore, Leonard L, CAPT, USN	024
Morgan, George W, GMGC, USN	166
Morin, Lionel, CPO, USN	230

Naedele, Gerald F, AD1, USN	MAL
Norman, Raymond E, BMCM, USN	055
Nush, Andrew, BMC, USN	061

Otte, Walter H, LCDR, USN	289

Paul, George R, STCM, USN	047
Perso, Robert B, CS1, USN	192
Phillips, George P, SWCS, USN	MAL
Plackett, William H., MCPON, USN	005
Powell, Robert C, SKC, USN	316

Ratliff, Herman D, BTC, USN	061
Rein, David E, LCDR, USN	269
Rentschler, Rodney, CPO, USN	210
Ricciardi, John R, DT1, USN	020
Rice, Clive E, DPC, USN	041
Richardson, Wayne C., MS1, USN	269
Ritchie, Robert E, AMCS, USN	091

Sandefur, Douglas M, AKC, USN	105
Schoettelkotte, D H, ETCM, USN	MAL
Shelby, Jim, ADR1, USN	334
Shepherd, Raymond G, HMC, USN	106
Sherlock, Richard, LT, USN	346
Shrader, Thomas L, PNCM, USN	041
Simac, Joseph, CSC, USN	061
Smith, Tullie R, AFCM, USN	210
Spyker, David Eugene, ATC, USN	285
Swedbergh, Mark, USN	091
Swindell, Harold W, CAPT, USMC	MAL

Taylor, Olin J, GMG1, USN	202
Terrell, Walter L, MSGT, USMC	242
Tivnan, Mike, MAJ, USMC	MAL
Todd, Clarence L, CSC, USN	MAL
Tolar, James W., USN	307
Turoski, William A, GYSGT, USMC	269
Tyson, Duncan F, BM1, USN	005

Walling, Robert P, COL, USMC	MAL
Walsh, Andrew J, FIC, USCG	MAL
Weaver, James A, AMHC, USN	093
Webb, Laverne W, ADJC, USN	MAL
Wheeler, Lester R, SH1, USN	MAL
Whitaker, John J, BM1, USN	117
Wilczewski, Dennis, CWO4, USMC	208
Wilson, Bob, AQC, USN	089

Zagar, Joseph, BMC, USN	238

Names in red indicate 50 year continuous members. Names in bold indicate Past National Officers.
Return to Table of Contents

Reunions
American Amphibious Force Association (AAFA)
September 21– 24, 2016, Charleston, South Carolina. Contact Henry Ruiz at 757-650-2814 or vbresort@verizon.net
Opticalman-Instrumentman Association
October 12–16, 2016, Providence, Rhode Island. Contact John Bryan at 6074 Kings Way, Harlem, GA 30814, 706-339-5905 or bigjohn767@yahoo.com
USS Boston (CA-69, CAG-1, SSN-703)
July 7–10, 2016, Dayton, Ohio. Contact Barry Probst at P.O. Box 7445, Brockton, MA 02302 or 508-587-1261. 
USS Bristol (DD-857)
September 26–30, 2016, Wilmington, North Carolina. Contact Paul Ratcliffe at 835 the Hideout, Lake Ariel, PA, 973-309-4040 or pd_raatcliffe@msn.com
USS Canberra (CA-70/CAG-2), all hands, 1943-1970
October 12–16, 2016, Portland, Maine. Contact Ken Minick at 740-423-8976 or usscanberra@gmail.com
USS Everett F. Larson (DD/DDR-830)
November 9, 2016, Henderson, Nevada. Contact Don & Pamela Erskine at 702-293-2024 or dtersk38@embarqmail.com
USS Foss (DE-59), Silverstein (DE-534), Whitehurst (DE-634)
September 15–18, 2016, Albuquerque, New Mexico. Contact Mary Hudson, Jefferson City, MO, at 573-291-1922 or marjer67@centurylink.net
USS Jallao (SS3-68)
March 8–12, 2017, Wilmington, North Carolina. Contact Steve Croom at 910-846-2861 or scjallao@atmc.net
USS Kearsarge (CV/CVA/CVS-33 & LHD-3)
May 2–6, 2016, San Antonio, Texas. Contact C.V. Lindley at 850-712-4664 or cvjan@cox.net
USS Mansfield (DD-728)
August 24–28, 2016, Riverside, California. Contact Maryann (Cookie) Tabor at 951-780-5194. 
USS Nitro (AE-2/AE-23)
June 23–26, 2016, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Contact Bob Eberlein at 12215 Ashland Granger, IN 46530, 574-277-3128 or ebb23@att.net
USS Rasher (SS/SSR/AGSS-269)
September 7–12, 2016, New London, Connecticut. Contact Richard Moore at 804-815-0730 or drifterpilot@cox.net
USS Renville (APA-227) & USS Rockport (APA-228)
August 31–September 4, 2016, Branson, Missouri. Contact Lynda Rumple at 945 Oakwood Ln., Myrtle Beach, SC 29572, 704-906-7622 or lyndarumple7@gmail.com
VP-6 Bluesharks
October 12–16, 2016, Waikiki, Hawaii. Contact Terry Snyder at 805-205-4442 or sensorone@verizon.net
VP-40
October 5–9, 2016, San Diego, California. Contact Guy Fisk at 340 Lynn Cove Road, Asheville, NC 28804, 828-505-8013 or ggfisk@vp40.com

All reunion notices must be submitted in writing. Members can post reunions online at www.fra.org, submitted via e-mail to VictoriaD@fra.org or in writing to FRA Reunions, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include your FRA member number and a daytime phone number. Questions regarding reunion submissions should be directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 108.
 
Return to Table of Contents

LOOKING FOR

ADR1 Fred L. Moats
We were stationed together in Washington, D.C., and he was last seen in Cocoa, Florida. Please contact ADR1 David Long, (Ret.) at 301-994-2451, Shirley.Long24@yahoo.com, or 46675 Purcell Farm Ln, Drayden, MD 20630.
AT2 David Venn 
He was from Detroit, Michigan, and we were stationed together at NAS Lakehurst, New Jersey. He later became an officer and served in VQ-1 and VQ-2. David once played baseball on a farm team for the Detroit Tigers. Please contact David Long, ADR1 (Ret.) at 301-994-2451, Shirley.long24@yahoo.com, or 46675 Purcell Farm Ln, Drayden, MD 20630.
Boot Camp Book for Company 296 and Company Commander GMG1 Raymond Early
Please contact DTC Hank Revell, USN (Ret.) at 757-426-2805 or 2605 Vogel Ct, Virginia Beach, VA 23456.
Wendell Stephens
I served with him when he was enlisted on the USS Independence. He retired as a Supply and Diversity Officer (unknown rank). He enlisted in the Philadelphia area. Please contact DK3 Danny Byers at dannyb1212000@yahoo.com

All Looking For … notices must be submitted in writing. Members can submit requests via e-mail to Lauren@fra.org or in writing to FRA Looking For, 125 N. West St., Alexandria, VA 22314. Questions regarding Looking For… submissions should be directed to 1-800-FRA-1924, ext. 126.

Return to Table of Contents

SHIPMATE NEWS

BRANCH 90 Clark, Nevada
Branch awards were presented to the Centennial High School Navy JROTC, which participated in the 2015–2016 FRA Americanism Essay Contest. Pictured (l to r) are CPO Tom Borders (USN, Ret.), Instructor; Samika Dixon, 3rd place winner; Jesse Gomez, 2nd place winner; Eric R. Bratcher, 1st place winner; Joy Laygo, Branch President Mark Melton; and RPSW Don Kelley.
BRANCH 20 Groton, Connecticut
PNP George Hyland congratulates Sailor of the Quarter ND1 Jonathan Scalise from Sub School. Branch 20 also recognized Capt. Jarrett as he was relieved as CO of the Submarine Learning Center. Photo by John Narewski.
BRANCH 31 Peabody, Massachussetts
FRA was well represented at the Peabody, Mass. mayoral inauguration on Jan. 4. Pictured (l to r) are RPNE/NEng Donna Jansky, Shipmate Bob Dunne, Honorable Mayor Ted Bettencourt, Branch President Al Prudhomme, Shipmates Tom Paras and Carolyn Spencer (who is also a member of the American Legion).
BRANCH 386 Dothan, Alabama
FRA Branch President Kenneth Teal (right) presents a letter of commendation and lapel pin to Shipmate Jessie Dix in recognition of his 50 years of continuous FRA membership.
BRANCH 22 Pensacola, Florida
Branch President Jim Richmond (l) presents Shipmate Jacqueline Davis (r) with her FRA 40-Year Continuous Member Pin and Certificate during a home visit accompanied by Jr Past Branch President Bob Hall (who took the photo). Shipmate Davis’ loyal companions watched everything with approval.
BRANCH 245 Bellingham, Washington
Branch President Mike Cole (far right) and Past President Bob Baisden presented Americanism Essay Contest Awards of $50 each to Benjamin Crosby, 11th grade, and his sister Sarah Crosby, 8th grade. Both students are home schooled and live in Skagit County, Washington Awards were presented at the Navy Recruiting Office in Burlington, Washington.
BRANCH 201 Austin, Texas
This is a screenshot of the Facebook post by the Austin Navy Recruiting District. One of the recruiters came to a Branch 201 meeting to speak to us on modern recruiting methods. During the discussion at the recruiting office, he asked me (Bob Holcomb) to come and speak to the recent recruits receiving training during their participation in the Delayed Entry Program (DEP).
BRANCH 89 Atlanta, Georgia
Shipmates at a recent Branch meeting celebrated milestones of continuous service as Shipmate Barron (l) presented pins to Shipmates H.B. Payne (c) (35 years) and Hugh Crawford (r) (20 years). All three shipmates pictured are Life members of the FRA.
BRANCH 124 Lakehurst, New jersey
PRPNE David Munday (l) presents an honorary membership plaque to new shipmate SFC William Bryan, New Jersey Army National Guard.
BRANCH 115 Allentown, Pennsylvania
Local 2015 Essay contest winners and runners-up were recognized during a special presentation ceremony. The Shipmates made the flag boxes and each had their name and grade put on the attached brass plate. The runners-up got a certificate and a desk flag set. We’re excited and proud that the Essay Contest is growing in our area.

To submit a photo for News from the Branches, please e-mail a photo as an attachment in jpeg format to FRAToday@fra.org or mail a high-quality photograph to FRA Today, 125 N. West Street, Alexandria, VA 22314. Please include a brief description of the photograph and include the names of those pictured. Laser prints and scanned copies of photographs cannot be accepted. 

Return to Table of Contents

 
NEWS FROM THE AUXILIARY OF THE FRA

Message from Regional President Southwest 
Hope you have all had a great start to the year and are looking forward to the events on our horizon. We here in the Southwest Region wish you all the best for the coming months.
Having traveled a bit more than 2,200 miles to date, I have had the pleasure of visiting over half the units in our region and have enjoyed many memorable highlights. 
I was pleased to be a part of recruiting one of our youngest members in the Southwest Region, Jessica Jensen from Unit 70 (Poway, California) and I enjoyed dinner with the members of Imperial Beach (California) Unit 289 — “The bunch from the beach by the border.” FRA National President Virgil Courneya and LA FRA National President Helen Courneya were in town for the “Sailor of the Year” event. I also enjoyed my journey to the most western units in our region: Unit 302 (Carson, California) and Unit 85 (Monterey Park, California). Their potlucks and hospitality are legendary and unbeatable. I am so looking forward to continuing my travels from Las Vegas to the coast of California. 
My co-pilot, Lupe Mann, is a member of Unit 163 (Phoenix, Arizona) and was presented her 30-year continuous membership pin last August. She is traveling for the first time in 10 years and watching the pleasure in her eyes when she sees old friends and gets warm welcomes from new friends is a sight to behold. This is what “LP&S” is all about! 
Being the Southwest Regional President is an honor beyond compare. I do not have the vocabulary to properly thank you all for the pleasure of allowing me to serve in this capacity.

2016 Auxiliary Pilgrimage, Saturday, April 16, 2016
Please join us for the Auxiliary’s annual pilgrimage to Arlington National Cemetery, where we will pay our respects at the Mast of the Maine and lay a wreath at the Tomb of the Unknowns. 
A block of rooms have been set aside at the Westin Tysons Corner (7801 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, VA) for $125/room plus tax. The cutoff date for this discounted rate was March 22, but rooms may still be available. Call 1-888-627-8970 for reservations and ask for the Ladies Auxiliary Fleet Reserve Association rate. 
Tentative Schedule of Events
10:00 AM to Noon: 	National President’s Tea
	2:00 PM: 	Leave hotel for Arlington National Cemetery
	3:15 PM: 	Mast of the Maine
	4:15 PM: 	Tomb of the Unknowns

Return to Table of Contents